Wallabies flanker David Pocock will leave the Brumbies and Super Rugby this summer after seven years of service to the Canberra club.
He will move to Japan to represent the Panasonic Wild Knights in the Top League, where he will play under former Australia boss, Robbie Deans.
“The Brumbies have given me a home for the last seven years.
“They’ve supported me through injury and given me the opportunity to work on my game, and my leadership as part of an incredible group of men,” Pocock said.
He added: “Over the last seven-years Canberra has well and truly become my home. Em and I love living here and being part of the community.”
Pocock is not signing a new deal with Australian Rugby, but still remains eligible for national call-ups via the ‘Giteau rule’.
The 31 year-old has already amassed 77 caps since his debut eleven years ago.
Any player that’s played 60 Tests can still play in a Green and Gold jersey, despite being contracted to an overseas team.
He’s said his full focus now is on getting fit in time to make an impact on this autumn‘s World Cup.
Pocock is out with a calf-strain suffered in January and is not certain he will make Cheika‘s final squad, but is doing his upmost to be there.
Aiming on being back in time for the Rugby Championships and World Cup, he said: “You’re obviously aiming for that and that’s driving you. To pull on the Wallabies jersey again is obviously my goal.
“It’s a huge honour and it’s something I love doing, so I’ll be doing everything I can to get myself right and get into the best shape I can.”
The Zimbabwean-born Wallaby has already spent time playing in Japan – he played for the same club in 2017 and 2018 while on an Australian sabbatical.
He finishes his Super Rugby career with the Brumbies, having turned out for Western Force in previously.
He leaves Super Rugby having played 112 matches in thirteen years.
JAMES JUBERT / GETTY IMAGES
